There are different factors to consider when shopping for a mattress. It is the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom and where you will spend a third of your life. A mattress should support the spine in a neutral position and provide pressure relief. It should be comfortable so you can get a good night’s sleep.
What is Mattress Firmness?
The firmness of a mattress is how hard or soft it feels. It is measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest. Most people prefer a mattress that is somewhere in the middle, around a 6 or 7.
How Firm Should Your Mattress Be?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors, such as your sleep position, body weight, and preferred feel.
Side Sleepers
Side sleepers need a mattress that is not too soft or too firm. A mattress that is too soft will cause the hips and shoulders to sink too far into the bed, which can lead to pain in those areas. A mattress that is too firm will not provide enough support and can also cause pain. The best mattress for side sleepers is one that is around a 6 or 7 on the firmness scale.
Back Sleepers
Back sleepers need a mattress that provides support for the lower back. A mattress that is too soft will not provide enough support and can cause pain in the lower back. A mattress that is too firm will be uncomfortable and can also cause pain. The best mattress for back sleepers is one that is around a 5 or 6 on the firmness scale.
Stomach Sleepers
Stomach sleepers need a mattress that is not too soft or too firm. A mattress that is too soft will cause the hips to sink too far into the bed, which can lead to pain in the lower back. A mattress that is too firm will be uncomfortable and can also cause pain. The best mattress for stomach sleepers is one that is around a 6 or 7 on the firmness scale.
Body Weight
Your body weight also plays a role in how firm your mattress should be. If you are a light person (under 130 pounds), you will need a softer mattress. If you are an average-weight person (130-230 pounds), you will need a medium-firm mattress. If you are a heavy person (over 230 pounds), you will need a firmer mattress.
Preferred Feel
Ultimately, the firmness of your mattress is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a softer mattress because it is more comfortable. Others prefer a firmer mattress because it provides more support.
Trying Out Mattresses
When you are shopping for a mattress, it is important to lie down on it and try it out. This will give you a good idea of how firm or soft it is and whether it is comfortable. Most stores will allow you to return a mattress if you are not happy with it, so you don’t have to worry about making a decision right away.
The Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how firm your mattress should be. The best way to decide is to lie down on the mattress and see how it feels. If you are not sure, you can always buy a mattress with a different firmness level on each side so that you can try out both options.